Tips for making secure online transactions in Internet Explorer 9

Applies to Windows 7

A secure online transaction is an encrypted exchange of information between a website and Windows Internet Explorer 9.

To help ensure that an online transaction is secure, look for the following:

The web address starts with the prefix HTTPS. The "S" is important because it means that an encryption protocol called Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is being used to connect to a web server. The prefix HTTP (without the "S") means that encryption isn't being used, and the transaction is less secure.

A lock icon appears on the right side of the Address bar. Click the lock icon to view the certificate used to encrypt the webpage. The certificate identifies the certification authority that issued it, the dates that it's valid, and the server you're communicating with. If something looks wrong in the information, contact the issuer to confirm the certificate's validity.

If the website has a certificate, the color in the Address bar shows the certificate's validation level.

The following table describes what the colors in the Address bar mean.

The authenticity of the certificate or certification authority that issued it can't be verified. This might indicate a problem with the certification authority's website.

White

The certificate has normal validation. This means that communication with the website is encrypted.

Green

The certificate uses extended validation. This means that communication between your browser and website is encrypted and that the certification authority has confirmed the website is owned or operated by a business that is legally organized under the jurisdiction shown in the certificate and on the Security Status bar.

Warning

An encrypted connection doesn't guarantee that the website is trustworthy. Your privacy can still be compromised by the way the website uses or distributes your information.

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